Sustainability
Powering a Brighter Future
Our business philosophy positions Laurens Electric Cooperative as managers of electricity, not sellers of electricity.
This means we manage our distribution system to maximize the benefit of distributed generation and conventional generation.
This mindset ensures we’re concentrating on programs, services, and policies which increase:
- Distributed generation from renewable sources, such as solar and geothermal
- Demand-side energy management programs
- Energy efficiency resources for members
When our communities do well, we do well. Promoting a more sustainable future is integral to our commitment to community.
Our Programs
Electric Generation and Transmission
Laurens Electric is a member of Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Central) a wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Central is owned by the 20 independent, consumer-owned South Carolina distribution electric cooperatives. Central and its member-cooperatives own transmission and distribution facilities in all 46 counties in South Carolina, serving electricity to about one-third of the state’s population. Central’s member-cooperatives serve more than 940,000 meters and more than 2 million residents over 79,000 miles of power lines covering 70% of South Carolina.
Integrated Resource Plan
Resource planning is an ongoing process at Laurens Electric Cooperative and is one of the core responsibilities of our wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative’s (Central) power supply department. By design, our integrated resource plan (IRP) is detailed and outlines how we can meet our long-term forecasted energy consumption and peak demand through a combination of supply-side and demand-side resources. The planning period for our IRP is January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2040.
Current Energy Mix vs 2005 Energy Mix
Currently, Laurens Electric and Central’s other member-cooperatives receive 31% of our energy from coal-fired generation, a reduction of more than half compared to 2005. Market purchases from other suppliers and natural gas have displaced coal’s dominant share of power production over time.
Estimated Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Approximately 70% of Central’s member-cooperatives’ energy needs were met by zero-carbon or reduced carbon-emitting resources.
A Balanced Fuel Mix Promotes Power Reliability
The energy industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation as consumer demand for more renewable energy sources grows, and innovation and technology continue to advance exponentially.
What is Beneficial Electrification?
If you’re like most Americans, you’re interested in saving money on energy costs and in doing your part to help the environment. But wouldn’t it be great if you could do both? Well, you can!
